Press Release l WTM 2026 Speakers announced for Trends Stage, Future Stage and Experience Hub


03 – 05 November 2026, Excel London
  • Leading figures from Expedia, Skyscanner and Booking.com among speakers announced for Trends Stage, Future Stage and Experience Hub

Senior figures from Expedia, Skyscanner and Booking.com are among those who will share their expertise on the Future Stage, Trends Stage and Experience Hub at WTM London, part of the RX Global portfolio.

“This year’s programme reflects where the industry is heading, with data-led insight on the Trends Stage, practical thinking on the Future Stage, and creative problem-solving in the Experience Hub,” said Chris Carter-Chapman, Event Director at WTM London. “Whatever their role, attendees will leave with fresh ideas and the tools to put them into action.”

These three stages sit alongside the WTM Wanderlust Headliner Stage, which has its own stellar line-up of tourism ministers, industry CEOs and household names, as already announced.

Hear the latest travel trends on Trends Stage
WTM’s Trends Stage aims to be “the pulse of the industry”, bringing travel trends to life through data and inspiring showcases, helping businesses identify new sources of growth.

The opening keynote will feature Stephen Cheng, Expedia Group B2B Vice President with his session ‘The Business of Trends – Identifying a Fad or the Future?’, which will set the stage for debates over the three days of WTM London. The discussion will be moderated by Dan Christian, Founder of Travel Trends Podcast – the number one B2B travel podcast globally.

The climate crisis will be in the spotlight on day two, with Kirsty Webster, Head of Sustainability for Industry at Skyscanner. In a session called ‘Too Hot to Handle? Climate Risk and Future Demand’, she will examine how heatwaves, wildfires, flooding and weather volatility are changing the commercial viability of travel – and look at rising demand for cooler destinations, shoulder seasons, slower journeys and smaller carbon footprints. Joining her will be Helgi Eysteinsson, Iceland Travel CEO, and Stephen Joyce, Global Strategy Lead for Travel at Protect Group.

Juggling the many demands of consumers will be in the spotlight on day three with award-winning journalist and broadcaster Ash Bhardwaj. In his session, ‘The Contradiction Economy: What to Do When the Traveller Wants It All’, he will help delegates understand why holidaymakers may want to party and heal, seek sustainability and indulgence, expect digital ease and human connection, and crave safety and adventure, all within the same journey – and how businesses can cater to these multiple interests.

Other sessions will look at topics such as search behaviour and AI; sport, culture and music; luxury travellers; family tourism; the silver market; and consumer loyalty. Also on the agenda are wellbeing; the middle market; retailing; and high-growth outbound markets in India, China, Middle East, and Africa.

The stage will also see the return of WTM TrendFest, with cultural entertainment celebrating themes such as gastronomy, wellness, sport and adventure.

Discover the future of travel on Future Stage
WTM’s Future Stage provides a platform for travel leaders, investors and innovators – helping them to build stronger foundations for resilient and responsible growth.

Speakers include Julie Cheetham, Chief Executive of Travalyst – the global not-for-profit coalition founded by Prince Harry – and James Healey, Product Experience Vice-President at Booking.com, who also has experience from roles at Nike and Amazon.

More than a dozen sessions over three days on the Future Stage will cut through the noise about AI, data, technology and automation, with discussions about how to make the most of information and systems to build better businesses.

Day two features sessions dedicated to aviation – with a focus on route development, decarbonisation and the impact on neighbourhoods – plus cruise, looking at the links between ships, ports, destinations, transport, attractions, local businesses and communities.

There will be a spotlight on recruitment – discussing employability and career pathways, helping to tackle travel’s talent shortage in a time of increasing automation – and a debate about responsible growth and the problems of overtourism.

A highlight on day three will be the Travel Massive Investor & Entrepreneur Meet Up, aimed at company founders looking for the right backer or sounding board, and investors searching for the next idea worth betting on.

Speaking at the event will be Louise Truman, who founded Plotpackers in 2023 – which was also the year when she watched Stephen Bartlett of Dragons’ Den fame speaking at WTM London. And in summer 2026 she appeared on Dragons’ Den and received funding from Deborah Meaden and Stephen Bartlett.

Experience Hub to cover climate, accessibility and failure
Aimed at marketeers and culture creators, the Experience Hub is a collaborative space where insights and problem-solving create inclusive and commercially valuable experiences and products.

Speakers will cover topics ranging from the climate crisis to accessible travel, niche markets, halal tourism and women in travel. Also on the agenda is ‘the F word’ …that’s failure, with a keynote from Grace Miller, Founder of Experiment Media, described as “the girl who’s paid to fail” and one of the most distinctive voices on experimentation, failure, marketing and growth.

Also speaking will be Richard Thompson, Co-founder and CEO of Inclu Group, exploring how innovation is challenging assumptions about accessible travel, and Ruby Gelderbloem, City of Cape Town’s Executive Director of Economic Growth, talking about how emerging and fast-growing destinations can prepare for new phases of growth.

Another highlight will be the ‘Missing Middle of Experiences’ panel discussion about the delivery of customer experiences, featuring Janet Parton, VP Marketing, PR & Customer Experience at Celestyal – bringing more than two decades of leadership experience in the cruise and travel industry – and Claudine Pohl, CEO at Lemoneight Consulting, who helps destinations strengthen their tourism and cruise business.

The final session will help attendees turn three days of ideas into realistic action plans – and those scanned into Experience Hub sessions will receive the Monday Morning Toolkit after WTM, providing practical takeaways, resources and next steps to help turn conference learning into action.

Tourism, Travel & Food Series l Lemon Tree Premier

By - Amit kumaR Agarwal

  • Lemon Tree Premier Pune has a sumptuous spread for breakfast and lunch
  • Managed deftly by Manish Sen and curated by chef Surjeet Kumar it is a must try, if you are visiting Pune

The writer visited Pune for a day, for work; and while picking on eating options for the day, a friend suggested buffet at the Lemon Tree Premier, Pune. 

The writer was warmly welcomed by the assistant manager, Manish Sen and the chef Surjeet Kumar as they went on to explain the buffet - both breakfast and lunch.


The spread was generous without feeling overwhelming, with live counters, a well-stocked dessert section, and a good balance of Indian and international options.

The starters set a strong tone. Crisp tandoori items, noodles, Indian cuisine with stuffed paranthas set the tone. For health conscious guests, fresh salad bar with house-made dressings were an excellent add-on.

The live dosa-station was a highlight: the chef customized each plate to order, and the chutney (sauces) tasted fresh rather than reheated.


During lunch, in the mains, the dal makhani was rich and slow-cooked, the butter chicken creamy and balanced, and the biryani fragrant, with the rice cooked perfectly. The vegetarian selection was equally strong, which isn’t always the case at hotel buffets.


The dessert counter deserves its own mention. The warm gulab jamun, a smooth chocolate mousse, and a freshly made jalebi station were standouts. The live ice cream counter was a hit with the kids having buffet.


Service was attentive and unobtrusive. Plates were cleared promptly, water was refilled without asking, and the staff were happy to recommend dishes. The ambience was elegant yet relaxed, with soft lighting and comfortable seating.


Overall, the buffet turned out to be a genuinely pleasant surprise to see such perfection both during the breakfast and the lunch.

It delivered a satisfying, well-executed dining experience. It’s ideal for family celebrations or a relaxed weekend treat. Book ahead, arrive hungry, and save room for dessert.

Snow White Mission Vienna l A Global Sequel Franchise Now

By - Syed Hasan Zaidi

  • Award-Winning  Snow White Mission Vienna Is A Global Franchise Now
  • From Kolkata to Italy and the United States, the film’s growing international footprint paves the way for an exciting new franchise celebrating cinema, travel and global destinations.

In a remarkable achievement for independent and experimental filmmaking, SNOW WHITE MISSION VIENNA is steadily making its mark on the international film festival circuit, earning recognition, winning awards and opening doors to exciting new possibilities for its creative team.

Created by Vivek Singhania of Picture Perfect, the experimental feature film has demonstrated that ambitious storytelling, creative experimentation and a distinctive cinematic vision can travel across borders and connect with audiences around the world.

The film’s international journey has already included participation and award wins at the NEZ International Film Festival in Kolkata, followed by recognition at Marateale in Italy, a prestigious international film festival renowned for bringing together cinema, creative talent and the world of entertainment. The film subsequently earned selection and screening at the India International Film Festival of Boston in the United States, further extending its international reach.

Adding to this growing list of achievements, SNOW WHITE MISSION VIENNA has secured three additional festival selections for editions scheduled in 2027. These include festivals in Corinth and Loutraki in Greece, and Nicosia in Cyprus. The forthcoming screenings are expected to introduce the film to new audiences and further strengthen its presence on the international independent cinema circuit.

For a film conceived in an experimental spirit, this growing recognition represents more than a series of festival milestones. It reflects the potential of independent Indian cinema to explore unconventional formats, embrace international locations and create distinctive cinematic experiences that appeal to audiences beyond geographical boundaries.


A Vision That Goes Beyond One Film
At the heart of SNOW WHITE MISSION VIENNA is creator Vivek Singhania’s vision of combining experimental storytelling with the visual richness and cultural identity of international destinations. Through Picture Perfect, Singhania and his team have sought to explore a filmmaking approach that brings together cinema, travel, destination promotion and the creative possibilities of location-based storytelling. Vienna, with its magnificent architecture, cultural heritage and unmistakable European
character, provides an evocative setting for this cinematic experiment. The destination is not merely a backdrop; it contributes to the film’s visual identity and atmosphere, demonstrating how a carefully chosen location can become an integral part of a film’s storytelling.

The film’s festival journey has encouraged the team to consider how this approach might evolve into a series of new productions, each built around a different destination, a fresh narrative and a distinctive cinematic experience.

The Next Chapter: New Destinations, New Stories
Inspired by the recognition and accolades received so far, the team behind SNOW WHITE MISSION VIENNA recently came together at the CII Global Investor Meet to announce its intent to develop sequels set in exciting new destinations in India and abroad.

The meeting brought together Vivek Singhania, creator of the film and founder of Picture Perfect; lead actress Surbhie Sharma; and actor Amit R Agrawal. Their discussions focused on the possibilities of expanding the concept into a destination-driven cinematic franchise that can build upon the original film’s experimental spirit while introducing audiences to new places, cultures and stories.

The proposed sequels would aim to retain the distinctive creative approach that defines SNOW WHITE MISSION VIENNA, while exploring fresh narratives and showcasing the beauty, heritage, architecture, lifestyle and cultural attractions of their chosen locations.

An important element of this vision is the growing interest from tourism stakeholders. According to the team, invitations are being received from various Tourism Boards in India and abroad to explore opportunities for filming and promoting their destinations through productions inspired by the Vienna experience.

Such collaborations could create an exciting intersection between independent filmmaking and destination marketing. By integrating a destination organically into a compelling story, the films could offer viewers a more immersive introduction to a place than conventional promotional content, while providing tourism stakeholders with an additional creative platform to showcase their regions to international audiences.

Investors See Potential in the Franchise
The discussions at the CII Global Investor Meet also generated keen interest among investors in the proposed sequels. This interest signals the potential for a scalable production model in which creative storytelling, international festival exposure and destination partnerships can work together. For investors, the concept offers an opportunity to support a distinctive form of independent cinema with the potential to reach audiences through festival screenings and other distribution avenues, while exploring partnerships with tourism organisations. For the filmmakers, investment could help translate the vision into a structured slate of productions, with each new film offering a different setting, fresh creative possibilities and opportunities to collaborate with local tourism bodies and industry partners.

The team now looks towards developing the concept further, exploring prospective destinations and building partnerships that can support the next phase of the project.

Surbhie Sharma and Amit R Agrawal Join the Journey Forward
Lead actress Surbhie Sharma has been central to the film’s creative identity, helping bring its experimental vision to the screen. Her involvement in the discussions about future instalments reflects the team’s ambition to build upon the original film’s identity while exploring new cinematic environments.

Actor, filmmaker and DoP Amit R Agrawal, who just returned after filming a web series across Italy and concluding the 26th Edition of #BNHAF Awards and Festival in Europe, is also part of the creative group looking towards the next stage of development.

Together with Vivek Singhania and Picture Perfect, the team is exploring the possibility of creating a series of films that combine engaging storytelling with the distinctive character of their locations. Each instalment could stand on its own as a cinematic experience while contributing to a larger vision of destination-inspired filmmaking.

From Vienna to the World
The journey of SNOW WHITE MISSION VIENNA illustrates how an experimental feature film can evolve beyond its original ambitions. From award-winning appearances in Kolkata and Italy to its screening in Boston and its forthcoming festival selections in Greece and Cyprus, the film has steadily expanded its international footprint.

Its next chapter could take this journey into entirely new territories, introducing audiences to destinations across India and overseas while building a creative bridge between filmmakers, tourism boards, investors and international film festival audiences.

For Vivek Singhania and the Picture Perfect team, the objective is not simply to replicate the success of the original film, but to build upon its recognition and create something with a wider and more enduring reach. As conversations around the proposed sequels progress, SNOW WHITE MISSION VIENNA stands as the starting point of an ambitious vision: one in which experimental cinema meets destination storytelling, independent creativity finds new avenues for investment, and every new location becomes an opportunity for a fresh cinematic adventure.

With international recognition already secured and new possibilities emerging, the mission that began in Vienna may soon travel much further.

#TKMU Wishes Happy Dussehra To All

By - Aanya


Talennt Ka Maha Utsav wishes everyone worldwide, a very auspicious and happy festive season of Dussehra


Press Release l Prime Minister's Office

  • Governor of Assam meets Prime Minister, Narendra Modi

Governor of Assam, Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya met Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today in New Delhi.

The meeting saw the Prime Minister discuss about the well-being of the people of Assam, the economy, the tourism and the boost to the business in Assam.

The topic of discussion also included various development projects that are boosting the eco-system in Assam.

The Prime Minister’s Office wrote on X;
“Governor of Assam, Shri @Laxmanacharya54 met Prime Minister @narendramodi today.”

Press Release l Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas

  • Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Successfully Completes Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 Campaign
  • 9,845 Cleanliness Target Units transformed; 937 public spaces cleaned; 143 water bodies cleaning drives and 276 preventive health checkups organised

Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG), along with CPSEs under its administrative control and its attached offices participated in the Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign from 17th September, 2026 to 2nd October, 2026. The campaign was started with pledge-taking ceremony, administrated by Secretary (PNG), on 17th September, 2026 at Kartavya Bhawan-3, New Delhi.

During the campaign, Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, regularly reviewed progress and directed all stakeholders to maximize participation and intensify efforts to further strengthen the campaign.

Key Achievements under the Campaign
  • Transformation of Cleanliness Target Units and Public Spaces
Under the first pillar, the Ministry and its organisations undertook cleanliness and transformation activities at identified locations, alongside initiatives covering markets, neighbourhoods, toilets, offices and water bodies.

9,845 CTUs have been transformed, with participation of 99,548 people. In addition, 937 public spaces have been cleaned, with 45,526 participants contributing to these activities.

Under the campaign, 143 cleanliness drives were undertaken at water bodies, with the participation of 1,264 individuals to promote cleanliness and conservation of water resources. In addition, 543 mohalla cleanliness drives were also organised.

  • Swachh Pathshala: Yuva for Swachhta
The campaign engaged students, educational institutions and community stakeholders to promote cleanliness and environmental awareness among young people.

A total of 18,700 schoolchildren participated in the reported activities. These included awareness and demonstration activities, stakeholder engagement, school-level cleanliness initiatives, Jal Sanchay Samvad and Gyan Yatra activities. The campaign also recorded 3,109 student participants in Gyan Yatra activities.

  • Safai Mitra Suraksha Evam Samman Shivir
Recognising the important contribution of sanitation workers, the Ministry's organisations conducted 234 Safai Mitra Suraksha Evam Samman Shivir. These camps recorded the participation of 7,098 sanitation workers.

276 preventive health check-ups were organised for 4,365 participants, while 3,518 PPE kits were distributed. The initiatives reflect the emphasis on sanitation workers' safety, health, dignity and access to welfare benefits.

  • Jan Bhagidari for Swachhta
Citizen participation was encouraged through awareness campaigns, composting initiatives, plastic-reduction activities and community events. The campaign also witnessed 450 composting awareness drives, 154 Sports for Swachhta activities involving 3,530 participants, and Say No to Plastics activities with 2,662 participants, promoting sustainable waste management and community participation in cleanliness initiatives.

  • Swachhata Se Samriddhi
Under the fifth pillar, activities focused on waste-to-wealth initiatives and the circular economy, including Kabaad Se Jugaad and Kabaad Se Kala. The reported achievements included engagement with 191 art colleges and institutions, 175 plastic recycling melas, assessment of 135 Plastic Waste Management Units (PWMUs), 687 entries under Kabaad Se Jugaad and 607 entries under Kabaad Se Kala.

These activities encouraged creative reuse of waste and promoted awareness of resource recovery and sustainable waste management.

  • Sustaining the Spirit of Swachhata
The achievements reflect the collective efforts of the Ministry, its CPSEs and associated organisations, employees, students, sanitation workers and citizens. Through cleanliness drives, awareness programmes, welfare camps and waste-management initiatives, the campaign sought to strengthen public participation and encourage the adoption of cleanliness as a sustained practice.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas remains committed to promoting cleanliness, environmental responsibility and community participation, contributing to the broader vision of a clean and developed India.

Press Release l WTM 2026 Global tourism ministers join line-up


03 – 05 November 2026, Excel London
  • Global tourism ministers join line-up as WTM London unveils new WTM Wanderlust Headliner Stage speakers
  • The Ministers of Tourism for Angola, Belize, Portugal, Guatemala, Jamaica, Uruguay and Montenegro are among the latest speakers to be announced for WTM London’s Wanderlust Headliner stage.

Sustainability is a key theme across several of the ministerial sessions, with leaders sharing how their countries are making tourism work better for people and places. Among the highlights, Pedro Machado, Portugal's Secretary of State for Tourism, will share how the country's new Tourism Strategy 2035 puts inclusive, resilient growth at its heart.

Continuing the theme, TV presenters Kate Humble, best known for BBC wildlife programmes including Springwatch, and Julia Bradbury, who has fronted Countryfile, will explore the role of travel in protecting wild places on Wednesday 4 November. The same day, TV presenter and disability advocate Sophie Morgan will chair a panel asking who really decides what counts as accessible travel.

Resilience is another strong thread running through the programme. On Thursday 5 November, Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism for Jamaica, will join tourism leaders from Uganda, Armenia, Cambodia and Valencia to discuss how destinations prepare for, and recover from, crisis in Built to Last: Destination Resilience in an Uncertain World.

On the business side, senior figures from Virgin Group and its travel brands Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Hotels Collection and Virgin Voyages will share their expertise in Redefining the Customer Experience in Travel on Thursday 5 November.

Matt Long, EMEA Managing Director for Delta Air Lines, and Garry Wilson, CEO of easyJet holidays, will discuss innovations in aviation and package holidays respectively, while Benoît Racle, Global Brand President of Premium Brands at Accor, will look at the guest experience in hospitality. Intrepid CEO James Thornton and WeRoad co-founder Fabio Bin will also explore how the next generation of travellers is seeking deeper connections with local communities.

Hosted and curated by WTM's official consumer media partner Wanderlust Magazine, the UK's leading travel magazine, and chaired by Wanderlust's Editor in Chief George Kipouros, the stage brings a fresh, outward-facing perspective to the programme. The newly confirmed speakers join an already impressive line-up, including:
  • Andrew Flintham, Managing Director, British Airways Holidays
  • Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)
  • Sir Michael Palin, Actor, Writer, Traveller
  • Patricia Yates, CEO, VisitBritain/VisitEngland
  • Rob Ransom, SVP and Chief Strategy Officer, Booking Holdings
  • James Thornton, CEO, Intrepid Travel
  • Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive, ABTA Ltd

WTM Global Travel Report 2026
On day one of the show (Tuesday 3 November), the WTM Wanderlust Headliner Stage will host the unveiling of the WTM Global Travel Report, this session will rerun on Day 3 (Thursday 5 November). Produced in partnership with Tourism Economics (an Oxford Economics company), the report is a key part of WTM London, tracking changing traveller behaviour and highlighting important new trends for the year ahead.

The presentation of key findings will be followed by a panel discussion with travel industry CEOs and leaders, which will also be streamed on WTM TV and on the Trends Stage within WTM TrendFest.

The latest agenda for the WTM Wanderlust Headliner Stage can be found here.
Chris Carter-Chapman, WTM London Event Director, commented: "Sessions on our four stages this year are built around the theme 'Resilience, Rebound & Reinvention: The next era of global travel.'

"As the world's most influential travel show, we are proud to be able to bring together global leaders, industry experts and new voices to tackle the biggest opportunities and challenges shaping travel today.

"This can only happen with the help of accomplished partners such as Wanderlust Magazine, who bring excellent partnerships and a fresh perspective.

"We are delighted to build on our longstanding relationship with the Wanderlust team and look forward to what is set to be a truly invigorating programme on their new stage."

George Kipouros, Editor in Chief of Wanderlust Magazine, added: “Travel has seldom been tested as it is today, and the destinations that thrive will be those willing to talk candidly about how they protect their people and places. That is the conversation we wanted for the WTM Wanderlust Headliner Stage. Tourism ministers will sit alongside the business leaders who shape how the world travels, and every session has been curated around the questions experienced travellers care about most.

“Wanderlust has championed meaningful travel since 1993, and it is a privilege to bring that spirit to the world’s most influential travel show. We are grateful to WTM London for their partnership and look forward to welcoming everyone to the stage in November.”

Advertorial l #BNHAF Awards and Festival Gala Edition


  • #BNHAF Awards and Festival Gala Edition scheduled for December 2026 is inviting entries now 
  • Women of all age-groups can nominate themselves for Iconic Women Of The World Award
  • Limited only to 12 entries, get 20% discount till November 12, 2026 bnhafawards@gmail.com
  • The edition will also see the announcement of #BNHAF Awards and Festival 27th Edition

Health, Lifestyle, Wellness Series l Pilates

By - Amit kumaR Agarwal

  • An actress and a model feels radiant after fusing Yog and Pilates in her lifestyle
Pilates, the low-impact exercise method developed nearly a century ago by German-born trainer Joseph Pilates, is experiencing a surge in popularity as more people turn to it for core strength, flexibility, and overall fitness.

Unlike high-intensity workouts that emphasize heavy weights or extended cardio sessions, Pilates focuses on controlled, precise movements that engage the body's deep stabilizing muscles - particularly those in the abdomen, lower back, and pelvis. Practiced either on a mat or using specialized equipment like the Reformer, the method blends elements of strength training, flexibility work, and mindful breathing.

Multiple studies have found that regular Pilates practice can improve core strength, posture, balance, and flexibility. It has also been linked to reduced lower back pain, making it a popular recommendation among physical therapists for injury recovery and prevention. Because it is low-impact, it's often considered accessible to people across a wide range of ages and fitness levels, including those recovering from injury or managing chronic pain.

Some research also suggests modest cardiovascular and calorie-burning benefits, particularly in more dynamic formats like Reformer or "Pilates fusion" classes that incorporate light resistance and faster-paced sequences. However, experts note that Pilates alone is generally not as effective for building significant cardiovascular endurance or major muscle mass compared to running, cycling, or traditional strength training.

Fitness instructors point to several reasons behind Pilates' rising popularity: its adaptability for beginners and advanced practitioners alike, its emphasis on mind-body connection, and its reputation for improving everyday movement quality rather than just aesthetic results. Studios offering group Reformer classes have expanded rapidly in cities worldwide, and social media has helped fuel interest, particularly among younger audiences seeking sustainable, joint-friendly workout routines.

Fitness professionals caution that no single exercise method delivers complete fitness. Many recommend pairing Pilates with cardiovascular activity and traditional strength training for well-rounded results. Still, as a foundation for core stability, mobility, and injury prevention, Pilates continues to earn a reputation as a reliable — if not standalone — tool for improving overall fitness.

Press Release l AYUSH

  • AIIA recognised as a Centre of Excellence for RAV in Kaumarbhritya
  • MoU signed at KAUMARACON 2026 to standardise Swarnaprashan and strengthen research and training
  • International MoU with Maharishi International University provides for an Ayurveda Academic Chair in the USA

The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth (RAV), Ministry of Ayush, during KAUMARACON 2026 at AIIA, New Delhi. The agreement recognises the Department of Kaumarbhritya at AIIA Delhi and Goa as a Centre of Excellence for RAV.

The recognition covers the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and training in Kaumarbhritya (Ayurveda paediatrics), along with intellectual property rights and capacity building in policy research. The partnership also envisages research and training in Swarnaprashan and allied areas of Balroga.

A central objective of the MoU is to develop an SOP for Swarnaprashan Samskar through joint expert consultations at AIIA Goa and New Delhi. This work will address formulation standardisation, preparation, administration and dosage appropriate to the age and strength of the child, with attention to quality control, safety, documentation, monitoring and awareness among parents and caregivers.

The collaboration provides for laboratory and clinical research on the safety and efficacy of Swarnaprashan, subject to feasibility and necessary approvals, as well as joint publications and capacity-building programmes. RAV will support technical deliberations and dissemination of the SOP among relevant national and international stakeholders.

AIIA Goa has established PRAYAS, an integrated paediatric neurorehabilitation centre offering a distinctive multidisciplinary model of care. The centre combines a specialised paediatric Panchakarma unit with the expertise of Ayurveda paediatricians, a modern paediatrician, an occupational therapist, a speech therapist, a physiotherapist, Yoga professionals and an Ayurveda diet expert from Swasthavritta which will work with RAV for further training andf capacity building.

These professionals work together to support children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), cerebral palsy (CP), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other neurodevelopmental conditions. The model aims to improve daily functioning, participation and quality of life through coordinated care tailored to the needs of each child.

An international MoU was also signed between AIIA Goa and Maharishi International University (MIU), Fairfield, Iowa, USA, for the establishment of an Academic Chair in Ayurveda in MIU's Department of Physiology and Health. The agreement provides for academic and research activities, curriculum development, short- and medium-term courses, and workshops, seminars and conferences on Ayurveda.

The Chair will also explore collaborative research and dissemination of research findings, while promoting the safe use of Ayurveda in the United States. The MoU includes provisions for protection of intellectual property generated through the collaboration.

News Shorts l Printing is the Portrait of Life

By - Aanya


An artistic installation themed “Printing is the Portrait of Life,” crafted from old newspapers, celebrating print media’s timeless place in everyday life amid the digital age

Ministry of Culture, true to its endeavor of promoting culture in India to a larger audiences across the world organized an exhibition of artworks created from old newspapers, themed "Printing is the Portrait of Life."

Held at the Arambagh Durga Puja festival held at R.K. Ashram in New Delhi on October 16, 2026; the exhibition showcased the eternal importance of print media in daily life, even in the digital age.

Visitors were seen very actively appreciating various installations and discussing the very topical topic of the exhibition.

Press Release l Vice President's Secretariat

  • Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan Expresses Grief over the Demise of Music Composer Deva

The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, has expressed deep sorrow over the demise of renowned music composer Deva.

In his condolence message, the Vice-President said that Deva had carved a distinct identity for himself in the Tamil film industry through his unique musical style and popular ‘gaana’ songs that captured the lives and emotions of people. He noted that Deva had composed music for over 400 films in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada, making a lasting contribution to Indian cinema.

The Vice-President said that Deva’s memorable compositions and distinctive contribution to 'gaana' music would continue to be cherished by generations of music lovers. He described the composer’s demise as a great loss to the Tamil film and music industry.

Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, relatives, friends, members of the film fraternity and music lovers.
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